Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a disorder in which faulty communication between nerves and muscles leads to muscle weakness .

Alternative Names

Myasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome

Causes

Lambert-Eaton syndrome occurs when nerves cells do not release enough of a chemical called acetylcholine, which transmits impulses between nerves and muscles.

The result is muscle weakness and other symptoms similar to myasthenia gravis. However, as the muscles continue to contract, the chemical (acetylcholine) can build up in sufficient quantities for strength to get slightly better.

Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be associated with cancers such as small-cell lung cancer and autoimmune disorders.

The symptoms of Lambert Eaton syndrome may improve with treatment of the underlying disease or by suppressing the immune system. However, not all people respond well to treatment.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.

Complications

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty swallowing

Treatments

The main goal of treatment is to identify and treat any underlying disorders.

A method called plasmapheresis may improve symptoms. Plasmapheresis involves removing blood plasma from the body and replaced it with fluid, protein, or donated plasma. This helps to make sure that any harmful proteins (antibodies) that are interfering with nerve function are removed from the body.

Medications that suppress the immune response, such as prednisone, may improve symptoms in some cases. Medications may also include:

Anticholinesterase medications such as Neostigmine or Pyridostigmine

3, 4-diaminopyridine, which increase the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells

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